Who could imagine that a 100 year old skeleton hidden in a shack on Nantucket would lead to murder today? Well, Brecher did for this third installment in a nice cozy series featuring Stella, a candlemaker. Stella was helping to clean out the old store so that it could be used as a haunted house and now she's on the spot because it turns out this isn't the only skeleton in town. The publicity the find gets is a bad thing-because the bad feelings from then impact today. There's a bit of Nantucket history blended in with the cozy aspects. Stella and her boyfriend Pete investigate but she's also aided by some of the other store owners in town. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is nice because it has a slightly more complicated plot than you usually find in a cozy.

Stella Wright is taking a break from her Nantucket candle shop to help with a girl scout Halloween fundraiser. The event is being held at a friend’s old house, which is rumored to be haunted. The fun jokes about ghosts and goblins abruptly stop when Stella discovers a skeleton from a decades old murder in an outbuilding. When the investigation into the old bone leads to a new murder, Stella is determined to find out the truth in both cases.

This is the third book in a series, but the first I have read. The first chapter smoothly introduces most of the important characters in the book, but I was surprised at the lack of depth in the characters as the story continued. I liked Stella’s friendship with Emily and the way they used the way they would treat each other to help determine events between Nantucket women from many years ago would have acted, which helped in solving the cold case. That part was so well done, I wish there had been more scenes like that one. Maybe if I had read the prior books I would feel differently, but overall I really didn’t care for Stella. I liked her independence, but she was so pushy. I couldn’t believe it when she made herself at home in someone else's house while he was in the other room watching TV. Later I was shocked when she climbed down into a well, which was an active crime scene, in the dark, by herself to look for clues. At that point, I knew she wasn’t someone I could relate to.

In addition to the cold case and the current murder investigation, Stella tries to find time to spend with her boyfriend, Peter. Unfortunately, I didn’t see any chemistry between them and because I’m new to the series, I kept thinking she was dating Andy because they seemed to have much more of a connection. The author may have been hinting about further developments there for future books, but I’m not sure. Even when the murder investigation didn’t keep my interest, I enjoyed the setting and reading details about current life in Nantucket as well as in the past. I also liked learning about candles and wish there had been more focus on Stella's candle shop. I really enjoyed the section about candle clocks and read more about them after finishing the book. Hopefully Stella's behavior in this installment is an exception. If so and if more depth was added to the characters, I think the setting and the candle-making aspect of the series would make it one I would follow.

I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Kensington Books. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

When Stella is exploring a shack located on the property of the home the Girl Scours are using for A Halloween fundraiser, she finds a skeleton behind an old sign. Forensic anthropologists are called in to help Identify the 100 year old skeleton which leads to the possibility of another body in a well. When one of the anthropologists is murdered after finding a map as well as a skeleton in the well, Stella investigates both the old and new murders.
Interesting combination of historical and contemporary murders.

4.5 stars

This is the third book in the Nantucket Candle Maker mystery series by Christin Brecher.

There was a little bit of candle stuff in this book but really not enough to satisfy me. Don’t get my wrong, the mystery in this was compelling but I love everything candle related and I just wanted more.

I did have a bit of a niggle since I wasn’t sure all that happened in the seconds around the murder could have happened in such a short amount of time. But this is just me. Not like I had a stop watch and timed it all or anything.

Basically, Stella finds a dead body in the wall of a house she really wants to buy but is hesitant to take the plunge on. This turns out to be a local lady, a Quaker, with a bit of a story to tell that involves a serial killer and a hidden treasure that has had the town searching for clues for years. Just as they find the embroidered map on a piece of linen, the map is stolen and one of the men excavating it is murdered.

If you are not paying attention, this could be a bit of a mind bender. But overall it is a great read. I plan on reading other books in this series just to get my candle fix.

If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Although this is the third book in the series I went ahead and started with it. I do think I would have enjoyed it more had I started with book one so I will be going back to read the first two books. I still very much enjoyed this one I just felt like I missed some nuances. I loved the start of the story and how the skeleton was found. I thought the mystery was fascinating and I loved all the information about candles! If you love candles and cozy mysteries then this is a good one to check out!

"15 Minutes of Flame" the 3rd Instalment in the Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery series by Christin Brecher. I was super excited to receive an advanced copy as I love this series and I wasn’t disappointed as this was even better than the last!

I really enjoyed this instalment in the series and visiting Nantucket again.

The Protagonist Stella is well developed, likeable and I loved her friendships with the folks in town. Another favourite of mine is Tinker the cat (my first cat was named Tinker as well) who was part of this instalment too. I liked the addition of Clemmie the barista and how she played a role in the story.

I found that the story was well paced and I couldn’t put the book down as I wanted to know who the killer was. The description of the setting and crime scenes are strong and really drew me in. The ending was good and I didn’t guess the killer till Stella did.

We didn’t see as much candle making in this story but there are instructions for making your own candle clock at the back along with Clan Chowder recipe.

Highly recommended to all my cozy friends! I really hope there will be a book 4 soon!

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN

An entertaining and engaging cozy mystery. Skeletons and a dead body make for mysteries old and new. Fun guessing the culprit. Nice friend relationships.

3rd book in the series, and the best so far. Really fun story! Lots of suspects, lots of twists and turns, and tons of fun! Excited to read the next installment!

I really enjoyed reading this book. Although its the third book in a series, I didn't find it hard to get up to speed with the characters. The author did a great job providing the needed backstory.

This was an interesting book. I particularly liked having a historical mystery to solve as well as a contemporary mystery to solve along with it. It had a nice Fall setting and a Halloween theme. I have to admit, I'm a total pushover for holiday themed cozies!


Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

All Stella wanted was an antique sign but what she got was so much more. Now there are multiple murders and a mysterious map that has disappeared.

An enjoyable blend of two time periods when an innocent find turns into a deadly discovery. A diverse cast of characters adds to the story set in charming Nantucket Island.

I have not read the first two books in the series but had no trouble following this story. Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

Stella Wright owns a candle store, Wick and Flame, on the island of Nantucket. It's almost Halloween and Stella has volunteered to help the girls scouts prepare for their haunted house fundraiser for the island's neediest. The creeky, abandoned house is owned by Stella's friend and he has kindly given them permission to use it. While exploring an old chandlery behind the house, she finds a skeleton hidden in the wall. She starts an investigation to learn more about the hundred-year-old skeleton and uncovers a dark mystery, involving robbery, betrayal, murder, and buried treasure. When one of the people called in to investigate is found dead and the treasure map goes missing, Stella becomes determined to solve the mystery.

15 Minutes of Flame by Christin Brecher is the third book in the Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery series. This is my favorite of the series so far. The characters were engaging and the descriptions of Nantucket were lovely and rich with detail. I particularly loved reading about the island's whaling history and the role women played during that time. Stella is a very likable character, and I feel like she's someone I would be friends with in real life. She's smart, funny, brave, and has a penchant for solving problems and mysteries. The author has done a wonderful job of developing her character, and I can't wait to see what's in store for her in the upcoming books. I'm excited to explore her new house and see which direction her love life will take.
The mystery kept me on my toes until the dramatic reveal. The historical mystery is weaved effortlessly with the present-day murder. I enjoyed the conclusion of both mysteries. I thought this was a great addition to the series, and I eagerly await the next one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is well done and I enjoyed the characters. The idea of a candle shop as a backdrop is clever and not one I have read before.

I have a weakness for finding skeletal remains hidden in a wall, chest, etc plots. This one starts off good when Stella finds the remains of a person dead over a century. Of course, this happens shortly before Halloween. I like the search for the identity of a killer who died decades ago as well as the search for the killer of a more recent murder victim. What I didn't like was one scene in the book where Stella crossed the two too-stupid-to-live line. I really wanted to see Stella spend a little time in jail to give her time to think how things could have ended for her. I haven't read the first two books in this series so I'm going to give it another chance.

This was a new author for me and I have to say, I'm now a fan.
Stella Wright makes candles on Nantucket Island. She's busy with her business, her boyfriend Peter and volunteering. Volunteering with the Girl Scouts had her helping them prepare their haunted house fundraiser. The building they were using had an outbuilding in the back. When she snooped inside, she found a Cooper's Candles sign and told the owner about it. He told her she could have it, and when she took it, she got the shock of her life...a skeleton was in the hearth behind the sign.
Ms. Brecher's tale of the discovery is enhanced by great characters and descriptions of the artifacts they uncover in the quest for answers. They found out when, who and even why the victim was murdered a hundred years ago.....and another skeleton.
There'a battle for control between factions interested in the body...or are they interested in something else? This is a very entertaining book with intrigue, romance, some rotten characters and a group of good friends. I recommend it highly.
I requested and received a NetGalley Arc to peruse.

4/5 stars

I received 15 Minutes of Flame through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

15 Minutes of Flame is the third installment of the Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery series, but the first in the series that I have read. In this installment we meet Stella, a candle maker on Nantucket who has a knack for solving crimes. Stella stumbles upon a skeleton buried in the wall and on the search to find answers, a current day Murder occurs. On the trail of solving two different murders, one from past and one from present, Stella takes us on a fun and entertaining adventure. Set in the fall, around Halloween, this cozy mystery gives you the perfect amount of spook to get you in the mood for the season.

Even though this is already an established series, I still loved it and felt like I knew the characters coming in. I really enjoyed the characters and the mystery itself. There really wasn’t much I didn’t enjoy about this book and I look forward to going back and reading the rest of the Nantucket Candle Maker series. I definitely recommend reading this well written cozy mystery even if you haven’t read any other installation in this series.

This is such a great series. The way this author grows her characters is amazing. I can't wait to continue with the series.

Someday i'll get to visit Nantucket for real. For now, i'll settle for "visiting" the island via Christin Brecher's Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery Series!

15 Minutes of Flame is the third book in the series (and my second read - I still need to read the first book...). I was so excited to pick this up because it's set near Halloween. You see, it's been incredibly hot here in my state for a few weeks, and i'm aching for a cool fall breeze, pumpkin everything and spooky vibes. This fit the bill - complete with 150-year-old skeletons, ghosts (!?), a spooky old house and a murder to top it off.

There were some laugh out loud moments in this book (just get to the part where our heroine starts doing shots to get information from a suspect...) and the historical aspect of the story was a fun little touch.

This is the first time I have read this author and i enjoyed this cozy mystery. The amateur sleuth Stella above and beyond to find out who done it. I didn't have any idea who done it until the end.. A good read.

An entertaining and well written cozy mystery. Great plot, fun characters and a beautiful setting. Mystery fans will love this book. I received an arc from the publisher and this is my unbiased review.

“15 Minutes of Flame”, the third in the Nantucket Candle Maker’s series, is a delightful return to Nantucket Island. The series features Stella Wright, the owner of the Wick & Flame, a small candle shop on the island. In this Halloween-themed story, Stella is working with the local Girl Scout troop to put on a haunted house, with the proceeds helping the needy of the island. She discovers a skeleton in an out building on the grounds, triggering an investigation by anthropologists, and a Netflix producer. When a murder of a more contemporary nature happens, Stella plunges head first into the investigation.

Stella is a fun amateur sleuth. One of the things I truly appreciate about her is that she is not a reluctant investigator, but enjoys investigations and is honest about it. The supporting cast of characters from previous stories are present: Andy, the town policeman and Stella’s childhood friend; Peter, her newspaper reporter boyfriend; and Emily, her best friend. There are a couple of new characters introduced here, and I hope that they become regulars in subsequent installments, particularly Clemmie, the owner of The Bean coffee shop.

The history of Nantucket Island at a time when whaling was a primary source of income for the town plays a big role in this mystery, and it was fascinating to read about, particularly the revelation that many of the businesses were run by women. The mystery itself is well crafted; due to the manner in which the contemporary murder occurs, the suspect pool is limited. Despite this, author Brecher manages to keep the reader guessing and delivers an absorbing tale with a multi-layered conclusion. She also leaves Stella at a place where growth and change in her life can happen.

An added bonus is the recipes at the end of the book, and tips on candlemaking both at the end and interwoven into the story. I highly recommend this series for multiple reasons. I always enjoy my visits to Nantucket Island and look forward to many more.